Illinois Public Media

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Illinois Public Media

Tests Find Low to No Toxicity Levels in Clinton Lake Algae

July 16, 2010

Tests have found little to no toxicity from the algae in Clinton Lake, but state officials still say swimmers and other users should be concerned.

A 12 year old girl from Urbana had become ill after swimming there over the Fourth of July holiday. The state Department of Natural Resources posted an algae advisory. But they've amended it now that 2 out of 4 water samples found only very low levels of the type of algae that would cause a public health concern.

DNR spokeswoman Januari Smith says blue-green algae scum is common in most bodies of water, but it's best avoided. "We didn't close the lake to swimming or boaters or any other lake users," said Smith. "We just advised them -- we did this last week and we are still doing it -- to be very cautious. Do not swim in stagnant water or in obvious algae blooms."

Smith says Clinton Lake is not treated for algae and they don't plan any treatment.